Colby (11-23, 2-10 in 2013)
What they lost:
They lost a few players from last season, but none that were true impact players. The best position player Colby lost was Jack Kramer, a decent hitting, but by no means irreplaceable player. Kramer had only one extra base hit in 65 at bats. Brady Hesslein threw 40 innings for the Mules last year, but had a 6.07 ERA. The best player Colby los was reliever Ian Bezahler, who sported 1.00 ERA albeit in only 18 innings.
2014 MVP: OF Jason Buco ’15
Buco had an up and down sophomore campaign after an exceptional freshman season, but we expect him to return to his form from two years ago. Besides his bat, he is a real threat on the basepaths and last year hit five triples, so his speed is exceptional. He only had 84 plate appearances last year, and if that number is in the 120 area he could have 15 steals easily. The fact that he had more walks (10) than strikeouts (seven) bodes well for the season. Buco is part of a very good defensive outfield that is a huge boon for Colby pitchers, and doubles as a wide out on the football team.
2014 Pitcher of the Year: Soren Hanson ’16
Hanson was Colby’s best starter last year as a freshman and will need to be a full-fledged ace this year. He has the potential to shut teams down as evidenced by his 41 strikeouts in 43 innings, but he finished the season with a mediocre 3.74 ERA. The Belmont Hill product should see his innings increase this season as the Mules tighten their rotation. He finished the season on a high note going 7 1/3 innings while striking out 11 against Bates. The power right-hander could be poised for an All-NESCAC performance.
Season Outlook:
The Mules bring almost everybody back from a team that was a disappointment in 2013. They should be better this year given their depth, but unless their pitching increases leaps and bounds they will be at best a middle of the road team. They benefit from having two sport stars Buco and Luke Duncklee ’15 who play football in the fall. The lineup should be good as there are experienced players at every position. We don’t expect last year’s best hitter Nate Ellis ’14 to replicate his .380 average, but he is still an above average player. Hanson has the chance to be a very good starter, but others will need to elevate their game on the mound. Scott Goldberg ’15 or captain Greg Ladd ’14 are the most likely to make a jump. One interesting tidbit about the Mules is that their season preview lists seven second baseman. We are sure the competition for that spot is fierce.